El Morro Fort
Few landmarks represent Puerto Rico's legacy within the Caribbean and the Americas than El Morro Fort. This fortification on the corner of the islet of Old San Juan now greets cruise ships as they leisurely sail in and out of the bay. During most of its nearly 500-year history, it was an important military outpost for Spain and later the United States.
To get to El Morro, walk up a path that crosses the massive lawn in front of the fort. The National Park employees who charge the entrance fee greet you at the entrance. The fort is guided by park rangers in both English and Spanish, but you are free to explore the various levels and rooms on your own if you prefer. Barracks, kitchens, and other facilities used by soldiers are recreated in each section. Informative presentations paint a vivid picture of Puerto Rico's strategic importance in the Americas, as well as the evolution of El Morro and its artillery over the last five centuries.
If you want to take some memorable vacation photos, go to the fort's lowest level, which is close to the water. You'll get a sense of the size and scope of this military installation. Across the water, you'll also be able to see El Cauelo, which is located on a small island. From the higher levels, you can see the Atlantic Ocean, Old San Juan, the cemetery, and La Perla, a neighborhood built outside the wall.
From El Morro's dry moat, you can access an entrance to the Paseo del Morro, a pathway that follows the city's outer wall to the Gate of San Juan (approximately 1.5 miles). You can also linger for a while on the giant lawn in front of El Morro and fly a kite, a local tradition that has lasted through generation.
- Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
- Website: https://www.nps.gov/saju/index.htm
- Admission: $3 for adults for one fort or $5 for both; free for ages 15 and under
- Opening Hours: Daily 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Address: 501 C. Norzagaray, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
